Sikeston Little Theatre brings comic strip Li'l Abner to life

SIKESTON -- The latest production by the Sikeston Little Theatre promises high-energy scenes, hillbilly fun and strong musical performances.

Performances of "Li'l Abner" are set for 7 p.m. Feb. 23-25; 2 p.m. Feb. 26; 7 p.m. March 2-3; and 2 p.m. March 4 at the Albritton Mayer Center in Sikeston.

"This play is as family-oriented as it comes. Kids are going to love it because of it's fast-paced songs, and the kids are running and jumping. We have real true Broadway ballads that grandparents are going to love," said Terry Jones, who is directing his first Little Theatre production.

The comedy musical is based on the same comic strip characters created by Al Capp in the 1930s.

"It's so fun. It's not heavy drama. It's not anyone trying to be fun. It's the epitome of hillbillies," Jones said.

What starts out as a calm day down at the fishing hole in Dogpatch, USA, is quickly interrupted for Li'l Abner portrayed by Hunter Borton of New Madrid and his friends when they learn the government has completed a study finding Dogpatch to be "the most unnecessary" place in the whole country, thereby setting the stage for evacuation of the town so that atomic testing can take place.

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